Holly Bowling Announces Album Of Grateful Dead Interpretations

When pianist Holly Bowling came onto the scene, she focused strictly of interpretations of Phish songs and jams. Then, JamBase enlisted Holly to record a Grateful Dead cover for our 2015 video series in honor of the band’s 50th anniversary, Songs Of Their Own. Bowling reimagined “Eyes Of The World” complete with a solo piano “jam transcription” of the version the Dead played at Freedom Hall in Louisville on June 18, 1974.

The pianist was so inspired by her contribution to Songs Of Their Own that she started adding Grateful Dead covers to her live repertoire. Today, Holly has announced she’s recording a solo piano album of the music of the Grateful Dead. Better Left Unsung will be available as a triple-LP set on 180 gram audiophile-grade vinyl as well as a double-CD. Bowling has started a PledgeMusic campaign to raise funds for the recording, production and release of the LP.

There’s a number of different packages available via PledgeMusic which all come with an “Access Pass.” Holly details what the “Access Pass” is all about and Better Left Unsung in a letter posted on Pledge Music:

I’m recording a solo piano album of the music of the Grateful Dead! It’s over two hours worth of music and has been a labor of love over the past year that I can’t wait to share with you all. It includes a solo piano “jam transcription” of one of my favorite versions of “Eyes Of The World”, from Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky, 6/18/74 as well as a a rendition of the entire Terrapin Station Suite.

I grew up listening to the Dead and their music has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember, so this music is very close to my heart. It’s been an amazing process to explore this music that I’ve known and loved my entire life in a whole new light.

‘Better Left Unsung’ will be available as a triple-LP set on 180 gram audiophile-grade vinyl as well as a double-disc CD. The album cover will feature art by Ryan Kerrigan, which will also be available as a limited edition print specially created to commemorate “Better Left Unsung” (available here through PledgeMusic).

Every pre-order comes with an Access Pass, which gives you special access to the updates that I’ll be posting. I’ll share snippets of the songs, videos of the arranging process, shots from the studio, an inside look at how some of the tracks came together, and updates on the album’s progress, including the artwork! You’ll also get a sneak peek at the latest jam transcription I’m working on and will get to see the process unfold. These videos will only be available in full to people who pre-order through PledgeMusic.

I’m incredibly excited to bring this album into the world and can’t wait for you to hear it!

• With love and gratitude,
• Holly